Eco Lodge Achieves First 5 Star Grading in West Wales
Preseli Venture Eco Lodge in Pembrokeshire has become the first activity centre in West Wales to gain 5 stars.
After two years of hard graft by staff and local craftspeople, the lodge received the coveted 5 star accreditation.
The renovations invested in extensive low-carbon technology to cut emissions and to help protect the delicate balance of the National Park environment.
“Investing in the future was a key priority for the Eco Lodge’s new build and upgrade” says Nick Hurst, Preseli Venture’s owner. “All the hot water and heating in the lodge comes via our new ground source heat pump, and we source our electricity from Ecotricity, a company which has a real commitment to renewable energy”.
“As unpleasant as it might sound, dealing with the human waste created by our guests in our remote coastal location was a challenge. So we invested £14,000 into a BioDisc system, which rotates a biomass through the effluvia, meaning that we can be confident the waste released into the environment is completely and thoroughly treated, free from solids and pollutants,” says Nick.
According to Claire Carlile, Preseli Venture’s marketing manager, the new eco lodge has proved popular with both new and returning guests and offers the chance to show visitors that sustainable living practices are accessible to everyone and not just the remit of the few.
‘We’re not big fans of greenwash and we don’t believe in taking a preachy stance with our guests, but we do embrace the opportunities that exist for sharing more environmentally responsible practises with our customers. We transport them to their adventures in buses that run on local bio diesel made from used chip oil, we put on a free bus and train transfer to the lodge to encourage people to use public transport, and we source our food as locally as possible” she says.
She adds “We’ve found that we have a growing client group that are considering eco credentials as part of their decision making process, and so we’re as much responding to demand as following our own hearts and environmental beliefs”.
Jonathan Jones, Director of VisitWales, said: "I'm delighted that Preseli Venture has gained a 5 star for their Eco Lodge. This achievement is testimony to the hard work and drive of the staff and their commitment to quality. Preseli Venture's Eco Lodge really does prove that you can have an eco-friendly activity holiday without compromising on luxury and quality. I wish the team all the best for 2009."
The VisitWales grading scheme assures visitors that their chosen accommodation has been checked out before they check in, and the stars reflect the facilities and the overall quality of experience. A 5 star grading denotes accommodation that is ‘exceptional with a degree of luxury’ and the new eco lodge enjoys under-floor heating and plush new bathroom facilities with individual wet-rooms.
Preseli Venture is additionally accredited with the Green Dragon Environmental Standard, which means that all living and working practises are monitored with a view to continuing to improve the organisations’ pro-environmental practises.
To find out more visit http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/, email info@preseliventure.com or call 01348 837709.
ENDS
EDITORS NOTES
About Preseli Venture
Preseli Venture is a well established Pembrokeshire based adventure operator which has offered adventure events and lodge accommodation for over 21 years. In addition to eco lodge accommodation Preseli Venture specialises in offering all inclusive adventure breaks to adult and family groups, as well as a range of experiential team and leadership solutions for corporate clientele.
Preseli Venture offers coasteering, sea kayaking, surfing, biking, and hiking adventures, and also works closely with a range of local service providers to offer a full portfolio of additional activities to their clients, including high ropes courses, golf, and stand up paddle boarding.
In 2008 Preseli Venture won Pembrokeshire Tourism’s ‘Greenest Achievement’ award in recognition of their commitment to good environmental practise.
For full details of Preseli Venture staff, background and events visit:
http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/
To find out more about the pro-environmental features of the Preseli Venture Eco Lodge visit:
http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/lodge/lodge.shtml
Contact Details and Media Opportunities
Media Contact
Claire Carlile, Marketing Manager, Preseli Venture
T: 01348 837709 E: claire@preseliventure.com M: 07813 242436
Interview Opportunities and Press Visits
If you would like to arrange an interview or a press visit, please contact Claire Carlile – contact details above
Photos and Photo Opportunities
As above
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment